The year read 2043 and Mahi knew what she was doing -boarding the cross Atlantic flight to her hometown Chennai.
She closed her eyes and prayed for strength to pull through the VERY short trip.
After checking her tickets for the Nth time she boarded with a heavy sigh. She knew it was a long journey and she had only one goal in mind.
She sat in the window seat and looked out at the towering heights of her lovely home-NewYork!
Mahi for the first time in twenty years gave the thought she had brushed aside -Rajiv.
If there was a reason she needed to smile without a reason-it was Rajiv, her best buddy from workplace, where her stint was short lived.
Rajiv- the single name gave her spur of energy as well as a silent tear to her eyes. She thought how wonderful life would have been IF .....
Mahi urged the air-hostess not to disturb as she preferred to sleep the remainder of the journey.
The flight landed and Mahi woke up and found that she was the last one to get down from the flight. She looked at the city she had fled years back .
Mahi stepped out of the huge Boeing with just the handbag she had bought .Near the entrance of the airport she saw a family and instantly recognized Chandu. She ran to Chandu , who was taken aback at Mahi's calling "Chandooooooooooo"
Mahi dint stop at that but continued "Heyy Chandoo, wow Gita(seeing the woman with chandu) lovely to see you !!! ". Mahi saw that the couple had three kids and exclaimed "Lovely children !!!"
Mahi saw the doubtful glances from both and rushed off with just the words "Ahhhh!! its getting late .Catch you later guys.. Lovely meeting you... Aweesome family guys!!!"
Mahi whisked at a speed which made Chandoo and Gita exchange doubtful glances.
Chandu was Rajiv's best buddy but never had Mahi met Chandu in person but only seen him in pictures. Chandu had never known Mahi or Rajiv's interest in her.
Mahi reflected on the moments spent with Rajiv. To Mahi , Rajiv was a man of difference .His lethargic slumbersome attitude bore a serious persona inside.
Rajiv was just as much as any other guy at office but what made him attractive to Mahi was his caring and loving nature.
He would joke at the worst moments and always had some whims and fancies which Mahi would clearly brush as "Keep it for the next Balance Sheet Rajiv" , thereby meaning his desires would never become real.
Mahi was more earthy and counted on real time results while Rajiv was more adventurous by nature. This basic difference gave way to many a arguments that gave Mahi better ideas for life.
It was Rajiv's attitude to plan at the eleventh hour and Mahi's was a ardent careful planner. Mahi and Rajiv were more like opposites and still the attraction only grew day by day.
In short they complimented each other perfectly until the day ...
Reflecting on these and more during the drive to the Hilton she saw all the changes that had happened to India.
India now looked like a role-model for the rest of the nations - towering skyscrapers, neatly maintained road, corruption -free and disciplined people.
She felt she was living every Indian's utopian dream.
Mahi checked into Hilton and explained to the receptionist that her stay was ONLY for a day and she intended to leave by the next day early morning flight.
The receptionist glanced at Mahi and friendly chirped "Enjoy your stay here mam!!! " .
Mahi checked into the executive room and yelped "The whole room is for meeeee - I love myself " .After thirty minutes Mahiwalked out of the hotel wearing a business-suite .
She took a cab to the IIFR building -the financial HQ .
She called for some Rao from her mob-app and there came a guy running down the steps to receive her. The guy was Tivli , who was 5' 11'' and was in his mid twenties and blushing to receive Mahi.
Mahi asked for some details and Tivli was more than glad to give them to her. Tivli was still overcome with joy of seeing a woman in forties to come to help the dwindling finances of his firm.
Mahi looked at all the documents that Tivli presented her with.Mahi then projected her presentations and documents using her mob-app.
Mahi and Tivli argued and discussed with lot of presentations and graphs for almost two hours.
In the end Mahi said "I've looked at the copy of these documents and I feel this is the only plausible way! I do agree this is the worst times for your company but I've given you the best idea and I've always won" .
Tivli looked at Mahi now with distress as he felt her ideas were more likely to create a downfall for him firm.
Tivli cursed his boss who had left him with this no-nonsense woman who was paid for every hour to revamp the financial crisis but was only suggesting a death trap.
He replied calmly"Mahi can you put forward your ideas to my boss , I'm not sure if this would work.. I'm still having doubts.. He isnt IN today, but i can arrange for a live chat via v-call."
Mahi's brow went up and with a sigh and said "Give me an hour more, I will rackle my brains and see IF I get better ideas!" . Tivli was relieved and promised Mahi he would wait for one more hour before he called his boss.
Tivli's boss was on leave due to excessive strain he faced to manage the financial cacaphony. Mahi logged into the systems and she was looking once again at all the accounts and file statements.
She knew her idea was the best and IF it failed her company (which was a financial expertise firm) had to pay for the losses. Mahi had researched for three weeks and only then hit upon this plan and she was sure her work and analysis never failed her. Meticulous planning, hard-work and keen psychology was what she relied upon at this unearthly hour.
She knew she took up this assignment for only one reason -"a journey back to her first love" and promised to give her best.
Mahi let her mind wander for the one hour as she knew exactly what she was about to do.Mahi thought of the days with Rajiv. They were just made for each other except for the love for the States.
Mahi always dreamt of a life in the US but Rajiv wouldnt leave his beloved country.
Mahi and Rajiv had done all like a young couple in love -roam ,talk and fight endlessly. They both knew how much one loved the other .
She remembered how she loved walking down the gardens near her place of stay in Chennai.
While Rajiv found it difficult to led his long slender legs to walk almost 5 km , Mahi loved to tugg at him and her simple smile gave him the enthusiasm to walk beside his lady-love.
Mahi was more than glad to let her mind wander as she knew what had to be done and how.
On the other end , Tivli was more than confident that Mahi could do nothing more than see the documents that had been displayed for her. He knew Mahi was using his boss's system but her knoweledge was not good enought to access the market prices that she was targetting now.
Tivli himself was not aware of the system which helped his boss quote the prices .
Mahi had just one thought "I need this back on the run, people bet only on the running horse and the fastest".
It was more than hour and not hearing a word from Mahi , Tivli barged into his boss's room where Mahi sat hitting her forehead with a pen.
Mahi exclaimed "Tivli , lovely to see you . Now that you've come . I guess my one hour is over and I just have one question for you -YES or NO"
Tivli was perplexed and said "What is your question that I need to answer to you with a Yes or NO"
Mahi said "Yes or No!!" . Tivli dint want to anger the crazy five footed woman and said "No".Mahi immediately exclaimed "Yes ,it is then" Saying this Mahi just pressed the ENTER button .
Tivli shivered as he heard the background noises saying "Share price change:Alert Alert Alert". Tivli spoke with utmost fear "Mahi Tiwari , this is no way to behave ,your insane .. you've hacked the systems which is unethical "
Tivli was in utter shock.
Mahi heard all the screams and silently sat back in the chair "My lovely boy , wish you knew the psycology of people better. I m here for the next two hours, even if you want me behind bars .
Have patience for some half hour more, I wish to see the market experts call you"
Tivli walked across the room contemplating how he was to break this bad news to his boss who would spare nothing at this hour of trouble.
In some twently minutes Tivli got call from his boss's friend -Chandu. Tivli exclaimed after disconnecting the call "The call was from a guy named Chandu, my boss' best friend . He says our market looks better by 0.1 % from yesterday. But I 'm still shocked!!"
Mahi smiled angellically and stated "Now if you will excuse me , I need to go. Some old unfinished business. If need be call me ."Mahi walked out of the office with a triumphant smile leaving behind a ever confused Tivli.
Mahi got a box of dark chocolates of her favorite brand and took a cab to an apartment at Besant Nagar. She pressed the button that read "P" in the lift indicating the penthouse and got down after taking a deep breath.
She walked as though she was returning to her home after a long day at work.
She knocked the door and it was answered by a pretty woman -taller than her and a lovely mother. Mahi introduced herselves and asked for the master of the house.
Mahi knew this was the only time she was visiting this home and looked at everything possible with utmost interest . A home well built , crafted with great taste and resounding with pictures of a beautiful family of three- a man , his wife and his lovely son.
As she waited hastily she looked through the French window- a man standing tall at six feet talking in a deep serious tone to his son.
Mahi looked at the guy with the same interest she had twenty years back and exclaimed to herself "Rajiv hasnt changed an iota , whatta lovely son he has "
Rajiv was taken aback when he saw Mahi and asked the purpose for her visit. Mahi thoughtfully put her words " I m here on business and just gottu guys chocolates. I hope your fine ?"
Rajiv cut her short asking "So its WORK that brings you down all the way from US! and guess those guys pay you really well"
Mahi felt a little embarassed that Rajiv had never forgiven her for whatever she had done and got up to leave .
Rajiv looked at her with utmost disgust and Mahi stood at the door and spoke in a soft voice "I hope you have better times and really a lovely year ahead .My best wishes to you and your family." She added "Lovely son you have , I hope he plays football with you as much as you had desired !"
Mahi left with a hurried rush when Rajiv's wife informed him of a call from his workplace. Rajiv called back and on the other side heard Tivli exclaim "Boss, I m well. . I called you to tell we are back with 0.8% increase now, pl check the markets.
A woman from "The Walts and Detts ", the firm we had hired for financial rebuild came and reset everything -our prices are lower by 2% but there is market pickup by 0.8% in just few hours after price drop... If this trend goes on we will be back in few weeks boss.. I m just dazed and shocked and only recovering now.. Sorry i called you late.. I was feeling too scared..."
Rajiv recovered from the pleasant surprise and just managed to ask "Wasnt it one Mr.Simon whom we were expecting next week who was to help the rebuild?"
Tivli exclaimed "Yes but there was a freelancer who was ready to take up our case -one Ms.Tiwari and she was one crazy woman. I only wish I was a little more intelligent ... She was just amazing...I m still in shock . I wish you be back soon .How is your health now Rajiv?"
Rajiv dropped at the very mention of the name and clarified "Tivli , what did you say was her name ?"
Tivli replied "Mahi Tiwari!" .Tears rolled down from Rajiv's eyes and he thought "She was here just for me! Just like her !Forgive me Mahii!"
Mahi during check-out gave the receptionist a make-up kit and said "Your one of the sweetest receptionist and my compliments for you. All the best . Bye . Chow :-)" .
Mahi left with a lighter heart and slept well in her return journey.
She closed her eyes and prayed for strength to pull through the VERY short trip.
After checking her tickets for the Nth time she boarded with a heavy sigh. She knew it was a long journey and she had only one goal in mind.
She sat in the window seat and looked out at the towering heights of her lovely home-NewYork!
Mahi for the first time in twenty years gave the thought she had brushed aside -Rajiv.
If there was a reason she needed to smile without a reason-it was Rajiv, her best buddy from workplace, where her stint was short lived.
Rajiv- the single name gave her spur of energy as well as a silent tear to her eyes. She thought how wonderful life would have been IF .....
Mahi urged the air-hostess not to disturb as she preferred to sleep the remainder of the journey.
The flight landed and Mahi woke up and found that she was the last one to get down from the flight. She looked at the city she had fled years back .
Mahi stepped out of the huge Boeing with just the handbag she had bought .Near the entrance of the airport she saw a family and instantly recognized Chandu. She ran to Chandu , who was taken aback at Mahi's calling "Chandooooooooooo"
Mahi dint stop at that but continued "Heyy Chandoo, wow Gita(seeing the woman with chandu) lovely to see you !!! ". Mahi saw that the couple had three kids and exclaimed "Lovely children !!!"
Mahi saw the doubtful glances from both and rushed off with just the words "Ahhhh!! its getting late .Catch you later guys.. Lovely meeting you... Aweesome family guys!!!"
Mahi whisked at a speed which made Chandoo and Gita exchange doubtful glances.
Chandu was Rajiv's best buddy but never had Mahi met Chandu in person but only seen him in pictures. Chandu had never known Mahi or Rajiv's interest in her.
Mahi reflected on the moments spent with Rajiv. To Mahi , Rajiv was a man of difference .His lethargic slumbersome attitude bore a serious persona inside.
Rajiv was just as much as any other guy at office but what made him attractive to Mahi was his caring and loving nature.
He would joke at the worst moments and always had some whims and fancies which Mahi would clearly brush as "Keep it for the next Balance Sheet Rajiv" , thereby meaning his desires would never become real.
Mahi was more earthy and counted on real time results while Rajiv was more adventurous by nature. This basic difference gave way to many a arguments that gave Mahi better ideas for life.
It was Rajiv's attitude to plan at the eleventh hour and Mahi's was a ardent careful planner. Mahi and Rajiv were more like opposites and still the attraction only grew day by day.
In short they complimented each other perfectly until the day ...
Reflecting on these and more during the drive to the Hilton she saw all the changes that had happened to India.
India now looked like a role-model for the rest of the nations - towering skyscrapers, neatly maintained road, corruption -free and disciplined people.
She felt she was living every Indian's utopian dream.
Mahi checked into Hilton and explained to the receptionist that her stay was ONLY for a day and she intended to leave by the next day early morning flight.
The receptionist glanced at Mahi and friendly chirped "Enjoy your stay here mam!!! " .
Mahi checked into the executive room and yelped "The whole room is for meeeee - I love myself " .After thirty minutes Mahiwalked out of the hotel wearing a business-suite .
She took a cab to the IIFR building -the financial HQ .
She called for some Rao from her mob-app and there came a guy running down the steps to receive her. The guy was Tivli , who was 5' 11'' and was in his mid twenties and blushing to receive Mahi.
Mahi asked for some details and Tivli was more than glad to give them to her. Tivli was still overcome with joy of seeing a woman in forties to come to help the dwindling finances of his firm.
Mahi looked at all the documents that Tivli presented her with.Mahi then projected her presentations and documents using her mob-app.
Mahi and Tivli argued and discussed with lot of presentations and graphs for almost two hours.
In the end Mahi said "I've looked at the copy of these documents and I feel this is the only plausible way! I do agree this is the worst times for your company but I've given you the best idea and I've always won" .
Tivli looked at Mahi now with distress as he felt her ideas were more likely to create a downfall for him firm.
Tivli cursed his boss who had left him with this no-nonsense woman who was paid for every hour to revamp the financial crisis but was only suggesting a death trap.
He replied calmly"Mahi can you put forward your ideas to my boss , I'm not sure if this would work.. I'm still having doubts.. He isnt IN today, but i can arrange for a live chat via v-call."
Mahi's brow went up and with a sigh and said "Give me an hour more, I will rackle my brains and see IF I get better ideas!" . Tivli was relieved and promised Mahi he would wait for one more hour before he called his boss.
Tivli's boss was on leave due to excessive strain he faced to manage the financial cacaphony. Mahi logged into the systems and she was looking once again at all the accounts and file statements.
She knew her idea was the best and IF it failed her company (which was a financial expertise firm) had to pay for the losses. Mahi had researched for three weeks and only then hit upon this plan and she was sure her work and analysis never failed her. Meticulous planning, hard-work and keen psychology was what she relied upon at this unearthly hour.
She knew she took up this assignment for only one reason -"a journey back to her first love" and promised to give her best.
Mahi let her mind wander for the one hour as she knew exactly what she was about to do.Mahi thought of the days with Rajiv. They were just made for each other except for the love for the States.
Mahi always dreamt of a life in the US but Rajiv wouldnt leave his beloved country.
Mahi and Rajiv had done all like a young couple in love -roam ,talk and fight endlessly. They both knew how much one loved the other .
She remembered how she loved walking down the gardens near her place of stay in Chennai.
While Rajiv found it difficult to led his long slender legs to walk almost 5 km , Mahi loved to tugg at him and her simple smile gave him the enthusiasm to walk beside his lady-love.
Mahi was more than glad to let her mind wander as she knew what had to be done and how.
On the other end , Tivli was more than confident that Mahi could do nothing more than see the documents that had been displayed for her. He knew Mahi was using his boss's system but her knoweledge was not good enought to access the market prices that she was targetting now.
Tivli himself was not aware of the system which helped his boss quote the prices .
Mahi had just one thought "I need this back on the run, people bet only on the running horse and the fastest".
It was more than hour and not hearing a word from Mahi , Tivli barged into his boss's room where Mahi sat hitting her forehead with a pen.
Mahi exclaimed "Tivli , lovely to see you . Now that you've come . I guess my one hour is over and I just have one question for you -YES or NO"
Tivli was perplexed and said "What is your question that I need to answer to you with a Yes or NO"
Mahi said "Yes or No!!" . Tivli dint want to anger the crazy five footed woman and said "No".Mahi immediately exclaimed "Yes ,it is then" Saying this Mahi just pressed the ENTER button .
Tivli shivered as he heard the background noises saying "Share price change:Alert Alert Alert". Tivli spoke with utmost fear "Mahi Tiwari , this is no way to behave ,your insane .. you've hacked the systems which is unethical "
Tivli was in utter shock.
Mahi heard all the screams and silently sat back in the chair "My lovely boy , wish you knew the psycology of people better. I m here for the next two hours, even if you want me behind bars .
Have patience for some half hour more, I wish to see the market experts call you"
Tivli walked across the room contemplating how he was to break this bad news to his boss who would spare nothing at this hour of trouble.
In some twently minutes Tivli got call from his boss's friend -Chandu. Tivli exclaimed after disconnecting the call "The call was from a guy named Chandu, my boss' best friend . He says our market looks better by 0.1 % from yesterday. But I 'm still shocked!!"
Mahi smiled angellically and stated "Now if you will excuse me , I need to go. Some old unfinished business. If need be call me ."Mahi walked out of the office with a triumphant smile leaving behind a ever confused Tivli.
Mahi got a box of dark chocolates of her favorite brand and took a cab to an apartment at Besant Nagar. She pressed the button that read "P" in the lift indicating the penthouse and got down after taking a deep breath.
She walked as though she was returning to her home after a long day at work.
She knocked the door and it was answered by a pretty woman -taller than her and a lovely mother. Mahi introduced herselves and asked for the master of the house.
Mahi knew this was the only time she was visiting this home and looked at everything possible with utmost interest . A home well built , crafted with great taste and resounding with pictures of a beautiful family of three- a man , his wife and his lovely son.
As she waited hastily she looked through the French window- a man standing tall at six feet talking in a deep serious tone to his son.
Mahi looked at the guy with the same interest she had twenty years back and exclaimed to herself "Rajiv hasnt changed an iota , whatta lovely son he has "
Rajiv was taken aback when he saw Mahi and asked the purpose for her visit. Mahi thoughtfully put her words " I m here on business and just gottu guys chocolates. I hope your fine ?"
Rajiv cut her short asking "So its WORK that brings you down all the way from US! and guess those guys pay you really well"
Mahi felt a little embarassed that Rajiv had never forgiven her for whatever she had done and got up to leave .
Rajiv looked at her with utmost disgust and Mahi stood at the door and spoke in a soft voice "I hope you have better times and really a lovely year ahead .My best wishes to you and your family." She added "Lovely son you have , I hope he plays football with you as much as you had desired !"
Mahi left with a hurried rush when Rajiv's wife informed him of a call from his workplace. Rajiv called back and on the other side heard Tivli exclaim "Boss, I m well. . I called you to tell we are back with 0.8% increase now, pl check the markets.
A woman from "The Walts and Detts ", the firm we had hired for financial rebuild came and reset everything -our prices are lower by 2% but there is market pickup by 0.8% in just few hours after price drop... If this trend goes on we will be back in few weeks boss.. I m just dazed and shocked and only recovering now.. Sorry i called you late.. I was feeling too scared..."
Rajiv recovered from the pleasant surprise and just managed to ask "Wasnt it one Mr.Simon whom we were expecting next week who was to help the rebuild?"
Tivli exclaimed "Yes but there was a freelancer who was ready to take up our case -one Ms.Tiwari and she was one crazy woman. I only wish I was a little more intelligent ... She was just amazing...I m still in shock . I wish you be back soon .How is your health now Rajiv?"
Rajiv dropped at the very mention of the name and clarified "Tivli , what did you say was her name ?"
Tivli replied "Mahi Tiwari!" .Tears rolled down from Rajiv's eyes and he thought "She was here just for me! Just like her !Forgive me Mahii!"
Mahi during check-out gave the receptionist a make-up kit and said "Your one of the sweetest receptionist and my compliments for you. All the best . Bye . Chow :-)" .
Mahi left with a lighter heart and slept well in her return journey.
Mahi-A more lively char which everyone couldn't hav...
ReplyDeleteThank you soooo much Ganes :-) I hope to find Mahi once in my life atleast :-) Though fictional I hope there were , there are and there will be women of such boldness and strength of mind :-)
ReplyDelete